Extrusion construction



Oct. 29, 1963 K. F. GLAsER '3,103,653

EXTRUsIoN CONSTRUCTION I Filed Sept. 10, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR K U RT FREDERICK GLASER Hl` ATTORNEYJ ai QM n@ @N f WN Oct- 29, 1963 K. F. GLAsr-:R 3,108,663

l EXTRUSION CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. l0, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2i?) f/ 2 @o m /f/a @2 /32 /02 70 70 /02 60 M l/ l /lf/J l] f L l www f3' i j 66 BYMQW] HIS ATTORNEYS INvENYToR KURT FREDERICK @LASER United States Patent O 3,ll3,663 EXTRUSIGN CGNSTRUCTIGN Kurt F. Glaser, Chesteriieid County, Va., assigner to Reynolds Mets Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. lli), w59, Ser. No. $39,124 l 20. Claims. (Cl. IRQ- 37) This invention relates to a metal extrusion construction, such Ias a girder and the like.

Metal extrusicns are produced by forcing cent-ain selected metals such Vas aluminum containing metal materials lthrough ya die to produce .a relatively long uniformly cross sectioned structure. The die construction of this invention is suiciently strong to withstand fthe great pres.- sures imposed upon the die. The die also preferably is of a simple and strong construction, in which the core-like pants of the die are effectively supported by strong connecting parts with the main body of the die, so that no displacement or the core-like portion is likely to occur. The structures ci this invention, which are produced -by extrusion process, lare carefully constructed to perform the functions for which they `are intended, and at the same ltime are constructed so that they may be produced by extrusion dies having the required strength `and characteristics above set `forth.

According to this invention, extrusion constructions, such las girder constructions are produced in which the main components or parts thereof Imay be effectively produced by extrusion processes without danger of collapse ci the -die construction. The construction according to this invention is particularly adapted to be produced by extrusion processes utilizing aluminum 'containing materials, such as commercial aluminum, or suitable aluminum alloys. The word alurninum as used herein therefore is intended to include commercial aluminum or suitable `aluminum alloys.

In the erection of buildings having walls, doors, ceilings, etc., made of poured concrete, forms must be provided to receive and hold the concrete. One of the uses ofthe constructions of this :invention is 4to replace some of the lCC FIGURE 9 is a cross-section taken along the line 9 9 of FIGURE S.

FIGURE l0 is a cross-section, somewhat similar to FIGURE 3, and showing means for holding the 'abutting ends of the upper web constructions together in aligned relationship.

FIGURE ll is a cross-section along line 11-11 oi FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a cross-section ialong line 12--12 oi FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 13 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view oi plurality of girder constructions as used for supporting a poured concrete floor construction during the pouring and setting process.

Referring fir-st to FIGURE 4, this invention may comprise one or more main beam or girder sections Ztl. A plurality `of these main beam sections may be secured together in aligned relationship to provide a combined beam of extra length, such `as shown in FIGURE 4. Foi example, end securing means 22 may be provided at th: joining ends of said lbeam sections Ztl to secure the bean'. sections 2t) together at their joining ends 24 and providing two unjoined ends 26 of the beam sections 2t) which lare not securedftogether. FIGURE 4 shows, as an example, Itwo main beam sections 2li, but more than two car be secured together in aligned relationship to provide two four, six, etc., similarly constructed joining ends 24 ir such a composite beam. End support constructions 2i are secured `at the unjoined ends 26. One or both of the end support constructions 23 may be longitudinally adjustable and telesrcoped with the main beam section 2i to compensate for various and miscellaneous spans between the supporting pillars, walls, spandrel beams ledgers, etc., `30 which -forrn end supports or abut-ments a destructible, heavy `and cumbersome parts heretofore used to make such `concrete receiving forms.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to rovide an extrusion construction, such as a girder construction, and the like, in which the major components thereof are produced by extrusion processes as -abcve set vforth.

Further objects of this invention will become apparent -as the description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Y

FIGURE l is a side elevation, with parts broken away, of a girder construction which is 4an example yot the advantages or this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan View of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 3 is Ia transverse cross-section, on enlarged scale, taken dong the line ylis-3 of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 4 is ya diagrammatic side elevation, in reduced scale, of a composite girdcr construction made of a plurality of sections.

FIGURE 5 is la cross-section of the upper, -or compression, web construction, with a portion of the intermediate construction.

FIGURE 6 is a cross-section ci the lower, or tension, web construction, with la portion of the intermediate web construction.

FIGURE` 7 is a cross-section of the longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction which telescopes with the upper web construction.

FIGURE 8 is `a side elevation of `a nut construction used to clamp the constructions of FIGURES 5 and 7 together.

each end of the beam combination.

A single main beam section 2li may be used to spar a relatively short distance between two relatively closel] adjacent supports Si). In such a case, the single mail beam section 2li may -be provided with end support con structions 23 at one or both ends. One or both of sucl support constructions may be longitudinally adjust'abh and telescope within the beam section ina manner to bl more fully described.

When la plurality of sections Ztl yare used, the mail beam sections 20 conveniently 4may be substantial-ly iden Itical with each other. However, the main beam section 2i) may be made of various sizes and shapes, all comin; within the scope of the invention, depending upon the par ticular installation contemplated. These main beam sec tions 20 may be assembled together into composite lon beams las shown in FIGURE 4, either at the place of in stallation, or :at some convenient supply station, as is ap parent. The advantages of the invention are enhance where large numbers of main beam sections may be prc duced of the same cross section, and of the same or dii ferent lengths, to permit the same extrusion die to b used to its full extent, as will become apparent to [thos skilled in the art.

For example, as indicated in FIGURE 3, a typical mai beam or girder section may comprise an extruded uppt or compression web construction 32, -a lower, or tensioi extruded, web construction 34, and an intermediate cor necting and extruded web construction 36. These co1 structicns v32, 34, and 36 may be continuous, extruded we constructions, more fully to be described.

- The upper, compression, web construction 32 may be lsubstantially continuous, integrally extruded, upper we construction, having a plurality of integrally connecte vwebs in diierent planes, and if desired, forming a sul stantially rectangular construction, as indicated in FIC URES 3 and 5. The lower, tension, web construction 3 may be a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction z areaeee indicated in FIGURES 3 and 6 which may be substantially rectangular in cross section if desired. The intermediate web construction 36 may have a plurality of webs in different planes and may be a continuous, extruded intermediate web construction, which may be V-shaped and part of which may be connected to the upper web construction 32 as indicated at 38, in FIGURES 3 and 5. Another part of the intermediate web construction 36 may be connected and integral with the lower or tension web construction 34 as indicated at 40, in FIGURES 3 and 6. Thus the upper web construction 32 and the upper part 38 of the intermediate web construction 36 may be one integral extrusion, as indicated in FIGURE 5. Likewise the lower, or tension, web construction 34 and the lower part 40 of the intermediate web construction 36 may be another integral extrusion, as indicated in FIGURE 6.

The integral extrusion shown in FIGURE and the integral extrusion shown in FIGURE 6 may be joined and may be welded together along a centrally located line such as at 42 as shown in FIGURES l and 3. For this purpose, the upper part 38 of the intermediate web construction may be provided with a groove 44, FIGURE 5, to receive the bead construction 46 of the lower part 40, FIGURE 6, of the intermediate web construction in a manner to lend themselves to a strong and thorough heliarc weld at 42.

The substantially continuous, extruded upper web construction 32 and the upper part 38 of the intermediate web construction 36 may be made into one integral extrusion in which all of the parts of the die may be rigidly and durably made, since the core-like portions of the die, which form the channels 47 and 48, FIGURE 5, are rigidly connected at 50 and 52 respectively with the main outer portion of the die which surrounds the extrusion. The same is true at the groove 44 and the other parts of the extrusion as shown in FIGURE 5. Likewise, the thick, solid, extruded, lower construction 34 and the lower part 40 of the intermediate web construction 36 are another integral extrusion which may be made by strong and durable die construction. The core-like portion of the die which forms the channel 54 joins the main part of the die at 56 by a very strong construction.

The upper, or compression web construction 32 may have a substantially rectangular channel at 48 which serves a double purpose of receiving the nailing strips 58 shown in FIGURE 3, and/ or the end aligning metal bars 60, FIGURE l0, to be more fully described. The channel 48 has anges 62 at the top which retain the nailing strips 58 and/ or the joining strips 60 against any substantial upward movement, as is apparent. The bottom Hoor 63 of the channel 48 may be provided with nail holes 64, FIGURE 5, and/or bolt holes 66, FIGURE 10, for the reception respectively of nails or screws in holes 64 and bolts 68 in holes 66. Nails or screws may be driven into the openings 64 either downwardly from the top of the nailing strip 58 or upwardly through the bottom of the nailing strip 58. The bolts 68 may be driven or screwed into the aligning strip 6). The bolts 68 are threaded at 72 into the strips 68 and have Unthreaded ends 68 extending into the openings 66. The hexagonal heads 102 are received in the recesses 70. This construction prevents any longitudinal movement of the strips 60 within the channel 48. Likewise the nailing or screw construction passing through the openings 64 prevents any longitudinal movement of the nailing strips 58. These constructions will be more fully described later.

The longitudinally adjustable continuous web construction 28, as shown in FIGURES 1-4, and 7, may be an integral extrusion having a central horizontal web 74, FIGURE 7, with T-shaped ends or webs 76 and 78. The ishaped end 78 has inward llanges or webs 80 and the T-shaped end 76 has inward ilanges or webs 82. The T-shaped end 76 is bowed inwardly slightly and accommodates a side channel 84 formed by the webs 86 and 88.

The channel 84 is adapted to receive a bar-like nut 98, 7

FIGURES 8 and 9, having two screw receiving openings 92 which threadedly receive the hexagonally headed screws 94, FIGURES l, 2, and 3. The screws 94 also pass through openings 165 in the sides 188, and may be unscrewed or tightened to unclamp or clamp the adjustable continuous web 2S and lock it longitudinally at a selected position properly to engage the abutment 30.

The die for extruding the web construction 28 also is relatively strong and rigid. The core-like parts of the die which form the channels 74a have a strong connection with the main part of the die at the zone 74b. The core-like part of the die which forms the channel 84 is strongly connected at the zone 84a.

The adjustable, continuous web construction 28 has an end shelf construction 96 which also may be a multiple web extrusion which forms a transverse upper supporting lip or web 98 at the end of the adjustable, continuous web construction 28. This lip 98 rests upon the abutment 38 to support the beam construction at this point. The shelf construction may also include a lower ilange, web or lip 100 to support the under-side or lower webs 80 and 82. The lips 98 and 106 are joined together by the slanting web which is indicated by the numeral 96. The die for extruding the shelf construction is rigid and strong, as will be apparent.

The end securing means 22 at the joining ends of the beam sections 20 includes means for holding the joining ends of the upper web constructions 32 in aligned relationship. Such means may take the form of the channel 48 in which may be placed the metal bar 60, which may be held against longitudinal movement by the bolts 68 which have heads 162 which may be turned in the openings 76. Alternatively, or additionally, the end securing means 22 may include side plates 104 which may be secured to the sides 108 of the joining ends 24 of the beam sections 20 by means of the bolts 166 which may pass through openings in the plates 104 and also through the openings 165, FIGURE 5, in the side walls or side web 108 of the upper web construction 32. Suitable nut constructions 110, FIGURE 2, may be welded to the insides of the web 108 to receive the bolts 106. Additionally, or alternatively, the end securing means 22 may include a relatively short piece of extruded web construction similar to or identical with the longitudinally adjustable web construction 28. Such a piece may extend from the dotted line 112 to the dotted line 114, FIGURE 2, in which case a nut construction similar to 90 may also be inserted in the channel corresponding to 84, FIGURE 7, and may have two or four openings similar to 92 to receive bolts or screws similar to those indicated at 106. In this manner the joining ends 24 have end securing means 22 to hold the joining end 24 in aligned relationship.

A contractible connector 116 may include a turn buckle 118 threadedly engaging the screws 120 which have ears 122 straddling the lower web construction 34, which has openings to receive the bolts or pins 124.

The lower web construction 34 is longitudinally shorter than the upper web constructions 32 and this may be accomplished by providing slanting ends at 125 and 126 in the webs 34, 38 and 40 at both ends of the beam section 20.

Another means 22 for holding the joining ends of the beam is shown in FIGURES 10-12, and may include a metal groove forming piece including a transverse plate 138 having oppositely directed groove-forming flanges 132 and 134. These flanges 132 and 134 terminate so as not to interfere with the proper functioning of the web constructions of the upper web construction 32. The plate 136 has an opening 135 to receive the side webs 136, FIG- URE 5, and bottom web 63 of the channel 48. The anges 132 and 134 terminate so as not to interfere with the channel 48.

In order to lock the beam sections 20 against movement away from each other at the top, the metal piece 60 heretofore described may be used by itself or with the plate 130, and the flanges 132 and 134er with the plates 104 to align and hold the sections Ztl together. The metal piece 69 may be bolted so that the Unthreaded bolt extensions 68 lock the lower floor 63 of joining beam sections against movement away from each other.

Two or more beam sections 20 may be joined together by any of the alternative methods heretofore described before the beam is placed on the abutments 30, and may be pretensioned by the turnbuckle or turnbuckles 118. If any additional tension is necessary after the beam sections have been placed on the abutments 3@ the same may be accomplished by further turnbuckle adjustment at 11S before the beam assembly is loaded.

Referring now to FIGURE 13, a plurality of beam assemblies 149, of the character heretofore described, such as shown in FIGURE 4, may be assembled side by side as indicated in FIGURE 13. These may be composite beams including two or more sections 2t) as shown in FIGURE 4, or may be one section 2@ alone, with proper end abutting supports. Suitable flooring, such as plywood 142, may be placed on the assemblies 140. The beam constructions may be removed downwardly after the concrete 144 has been poured and has set suticiently not to require the support of the beam constructions 140. After the concrete 144 has been poured and set, to form a oor 144 or the like, the beam sections 140 may be removed downwardly by inwardly telescoping one or both of the longitudinally movable or adjustable continuous web constructions 28 suiciently to permit the lip 9% to be moved downwardly from the abutment 30. The beam construction may be preliminarily flexed or sagged by turnbuckle movement before inwardly telescoping the web construction 28.

The wood strips 53 may be used to nail wood struts, columns, etc. temporarily to support upper floors or for any other purpose desired.

The foregoing construction may be used anywhere desired. It is particularly useful in connection with the erection of floors or ceilings made of poured concrete or the like. These constructions may be used to pour floors of buildings having a plurality of floors or stories one above the other, and all or part of the beam constructions 14th may be removed from under one floor and be installed in a position temporarily to support another floor above the floor from which they have been removed. In this manner a quick and ei'licient construction is provided which enables the oors to be poured quickly and in an economical manner much superior to the previous wooden constructions heretofore used for this purpose.

Merely by way of example, from which wide variations may be made, the top of the upper web construction 32 may be for example from about four to eight inches, more or less, such as six inches in width. The distance from the top of the web construction 32 to the bottom of the web construction 34 may be from about six to twelve inches, more or less, such as nine to ten inches. The other parts of the beam construction may be proportional to the construction shown in the drawing. A beam section Ztl may be from about two to ten feet, more or less, such as tive or six feet more or less in length. The slanting walls 125 and 126 may provide a longitudinal offset of from about two to twelve inches more or less, such as six inches, more or j less, each from the point 150 to the point 152, FIGURE 1. The extensible or longitudinally adjustable web construction 28 may have a total length of from one to live feet, such as two or three feet. The distance from the center line of the abutting ends 24 to the inner surface of an abutment 3) may be a distance of from about two to 25 feet, such as seven or eight feet when fully extended.

` The metal used for extrusion may be aluminum containing as permanent supports wherever desired. Also the constructions may be used for purposes other than as beams or girders.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; the upper part of said intermediate web construction and the lower part of said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted together.

2. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; the upper part of said intermediate web construction and the lower part of said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted together; and an extruded, longitudinaly adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with said upper web construction. v 3. In combination: Va substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; the upper part oi said intermediate web construction and the lower part oi said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted together; an extruded, longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with said upper web construction; and an end shelf construction secured to the end of said adjustable continuous web construction.

4. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottorr. of said intermediate web construction, said rectangular continuous, extruded, upper web construction and the upper part of said V-shaped, continuous, extruded, inter mediate web construction being one integral extrusion and said thick, solid, extruded, lower construction and the lower part of said V-shaped, continuous, extruded, inter` mediate web construction being another integral extru sion, said upper part of said intermediate web construe tion and said lower part of said intermediate web construe` tion being disposed in overlapping relation and being snai tted together, said integral extrusions being welded to gether along a centrally located line.

5. In combination: a substantially rectangular, con tinuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction con nected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid extruded, lower web construction connected to the botton of said intermediate web construction, said rectangular continuous, extruded, upper web construction and the up per part of said V-shaped, continuous, extruded, inter mediate web construction being one integral extrusion said upper part of said intermediate construction and th lower part of said intermediate web construction bein disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted tc gether.

6. In combination: a substantially rectangular, con tinuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shapec continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction con nected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solic extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottor of said intermediate web construction, said thick, solid, extruded, lower construction and the lower part of said Vshaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction being an integral extrusion, said lower part of said intermediate web construction and the upper part of said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted together.

7. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends and providing two unjoined ends of said beam sections which are not secured together; abutment engaging constructions secured at said unjoined ends; said main beam sections each comprising; a continuous, substantially rectangular, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; the upper part of said intermediate web construction and the lower part of said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap fitted together; said end securing means comprising: means holding the joining ends of said continuous, extruded, upper web constructions in aligned relationship; and a contractible connector secured to adjacent ends of said thick, solid, extruded, lower web constructions.

8. A combination according to claim 7 in which said contractible connector includes a turnbuckle.

9. A combination according to claim 7 in which the lower web constructions at the joining ends of said beam sections are longitudinally shorter than the upper web constructions.

10. A combination according to claim 7 in which one of said abutment engaging constructions comprises an extruded, longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with one of said upper web constructions.

11.r In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a substantially rectangular, continuous integrally extruded upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction, the upper part of said intermediate web construction and the lower part of said intermediate web construction being disposed in overlapping relation and being snap iitted together.

12. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction, said upper web construction having an upper channel to receive and lock a strip therein.

13. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends and providing two unjoined ends of said beam sections which are not secured together; abutment engaging constructions secured at said unjoined ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a continuous, substantially rectangular, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper Web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; said end securing means comprising: means holding the adjoining ends of said continuous, extruded, upper web constructions in aligned relationship; and a contractible connector secured to adjacent ends of said thick, solid, extruded, lower web constructions; one of said abutment engaging constructions comprising an extruded, longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with one of said outer web constructions, said longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction comprising an integral extrusion having a central horizontal web with T-shaped ends.

14. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; and an extruded, longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with said upper web construction, said longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction having a side channel to receive a locking nut for longitudinally locking said last-named web construction to said upper web construction.

l5. In combination: a substantially rectangular, continuous, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web constructions; and an extruded, longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction telescoping with said upper web construction, said longitudinally adjustable, continuous web construction comprising an integral extrusion having a central horizontal web with T-shaped ends with one of said T-shaped ends having a side channel to receive a locking nut for longitudinally locking said last-named web construction to said upper web construction.

16. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam section securing said beam sections together at their joining ends and providing two unjoined ends of said beam sections which are not secured together; abutment engaging constructions secured to said unjoined ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a continuous, substantially rectangular, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; said end securing means comprising: means holding the joining ends of said continuous, extruded, upper web constructions in aligned relationship; and a contractible connector secured to adjacent ends of said thick, solid, extruded, lower web constructions, said upper web construction having an upper channel to receive a strip which forms said end securing means.

17. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends and providing two unjoined ends of said beam sections which are not secured together; abutment engaging constructions secured to said unjoined ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a continuous, substantially rectangular, extruded, upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded, lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction; said end securing means comprising: means holding the joined ends of said continuous, extruded, upper web constructions in aligned relationship; and a contractible connector secured to adjacent ends of said thick, solid, extruded, lower web constructions, said end securing means including a transverse plate and oppositely directed groove forming iianges to receive and align webs of said upper web construction.

l18. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a substantially rectangular, continuous integrally extruded upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; a thick, solid, extruded lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction, said upper web constructions of said beam sections having upper channels therein; and means disposed in said channels at said joining ends of said beam sections and securing said joining ends together to provide said end securing means.

19. In combination: a plurality of main beam sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a substantially rectangular, continuous integrally extruded upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction, said end securing means at each pair of joining ends of said beam sections including a member telescopically disposed and closely received in adjacent ends of said upper web constructions of said beam sections.

20. In combination: a plurality of main beam :sections joined end to end; end securing means at the joining ends of said beam sections securing said beam sections together at their joining ends; said main beam sections each comprising: a substantially rectangular, continuous integrally extruded upper web construction; a V-shaped, continuous, extruded, intermediate web construction connected to said upper web construction; and a thick, solid, extruded lower web construction connected to the bottom of said intermediate web construction, said end securing means at each pair of joining ends of said beam sections including a member telescopically disposed and closely received in adjacent ends of said upper web constructions of said beam sections, each of said telescopically disposed members including a pair of opposed T-shaped ends respectively secured to opposed webs of said upper web constructions of said beam sections at the joining ends thereof.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 320,079 Martin June 16, 1885 1,358,918 Arnandez et a1. Nov. 16, 1920 2,062,686 Toussaint Dec. 1, 1936 2,345,650 Attwood Apr. 4, 1944 2,460,982 Gilpin Feb. 8, 1949 2,577,671 Barrett Dec. 4, 1951 2,687,193 Hinze Aug. 12, 1954 2,800,983 Toney July 30, 1957 2,951,564 Meyer Sept. 6, 1960 2,965,951 Novak et a1 Dec. 27, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 861,918 Germany Jan. 8, 1953 

1. IN COMBINATION: A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR, CONTINUOUS, EXTRUDED, UPPER WEB CONSTRUCTION; A V-SHAPED, CONTINUOUS, EXTRUDED, INTERMEDIATE WEB CONSTRUCTION CONNECTED TO SAID UPPER WEB CONSTRUCTION; AND A THICK, SOLID, EXTRUDED, LOWER WEB CONSTRUCTION CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM OF SAID INTERMEDIATE WEB CONSTRUCTION; THE UPPER PART OF SAID INTERMEDIATE WEB CONSTRUCTION AND THE LOWER PART OF SAID INTERMEDIATE WEB CONSTRUCTION BEING DISPOSED IN OVERLAPPING RELATION AND BEING SNAP FITTED TOGETHER. 